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2 of the book project. They will appoint a book committee, to work with ours to develop a joint vision. There is discussion of having the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough as a partner, to help by applying for and receiving grant funds for the joint project; funding needs to be collaborative to avoid having the Town and County compete for grants. One idea for the essay component is to tap into the knowledge of local experts, for example we ask Dr. Steve Davis to write a chapter essay about the Native American story of the area, since he has done so much already. The focus of this will be present-day Orange County even though the county was larger in the 18th century. The essay can touch on the larger boundaries but focus on the current area. Staff was asked to talk to Dr. Davis. We need to be clear about what we want/are looking for, and do we pay or not? Staff proceeded to walk the members through the handout. Additional targeted research will be needed for special topics and properties. Discussion followed about the duties of a proposed book committee: formulating the vision, working out the essay scope, then dealing with the smaller details, like number/selection of properties, design and layout issues, number of copies etc. This could be a working group or task force that will not make decisions, but rather, will bring ideas back to the HPC at a regular meeting for consideration and decision; they will provide notes of meetings. As we complete our essay and the town works on their essay, we have to think ahead to a final editing process in order to blend different writing styles. The Town is willing use the same consultants; this will help with the continuity. There is still the option of approaching UNC Press about the project to gauge their interest. Ireland noted this project will require a lot of depth, hard work and expertise. UNC may be the best route. Staff could speak with authors who worked with UNC press to see what they advise. County and Town staff need to write down the parameters of what the book committee would be doing; to establish guidance for their work. W e need to call a meeting of the “joint book committee” to develop guidelines for the joint vision/scope, function and purpose. Staff will explore this and follow up with the Town. Are there members who would like to volunteer to serve on the book committee? Ireland noted that the committee needs to determine its own goals and map out how it will achieve its purposes. Grant, Ireland and Ballard all volunteered. Staff walked members through the rest of the document, noting the importance of illustrations, including historic photos, maps, floor plans and site plans showing the buildings in relation to the landscape or farmstead. We will need to spend a lot of time later talking about fund raising, including selling sponsorships or patrons. If we partner with UNC press, they would like to enter into the process sooner than later. ITEM #6: UPDATES AND INFORMATION ITEMS a. Meeting with Town HDC regarding book project: Staff reported on the January 6 meeting with the Town HDC, and the positive feedback already discussed in the prior agenda item. The Town is on board and is proceeding with their application for CLG funds for their survey update, and will appoint a book committee. b. Update on next phase of historic resources inventory project now getting underway: Staff covered this topic during the discussion of the prior topic, the book project. c. Overview of current preservation projects/needs for County: Staff gave a presentation about current projects, beginning with the historic courthouse which last saw major repair/preservation work in 1985. The clock tower was restored as part of the clock restoration project in 2004-5. Former chair Dickinson joined staff in several inspections of the building, which generated a list of needed preservation work. The grounds became a focus when the Town’s Tree Commission asked for permission to plant a permanent Christmas tree on the grounds. In response, the County decided that